Authoress Notes: Hey, people. I come back with a short one-shot. Hope you all enjoy. Please review if you liked it

Disclaimer: I don't own SO3. Nel, however, rightfully belongs to Albel.

Pairing: AlbelxNel

Plot/Summary: If you can't let go of your feelings, it's best to just get it over with unnoticed, right? For a certain Wicked, however, he can't just seem to let go.

From Afar

By: xKuroSeraphimx

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It was ludicrous, but at the same time, unbearable.

He thought that no woman would sway him, no woman would change him, and that no woman, certainly not the woman he was looking down on, would make him want and need her like she did.

He should've known better.

Albel Nox, also known as the infamous Albel the Wicked, could not accept this. Ever since his father's death, he swore off of anything that could weigh him down to be strong. And that meant pining over some wench was not an option. But this woman, this Aquarian to make it worse, had proved him wrong. The Glyphian didn't know when it started, or better yet, how.

He had heard of her abilities, and he had to give her credit for someone who hadn't finished their training. He'd seen her in action, and to be honest, he wasn't intimidated at the least. She was weak enough for him to kill her if they fought one-on-one, and he wondered why he hadn't skewered her through his sword to prevent these unneeded feelings inside him now.

But no. Her presence was now intoxicating, and the restraint on his hands and mouth were becoming harder to control. He only hid behind his cold facade to make it seem like he wasn't interested. Albel could deem himself a smooth actor at best.

But now, while she slept, the opportune moment had risen before him. He had suspected that the Nel Zelpher, top Crimson Blade assassin and spy, would detect his presence when he came near her, even in her sleep. Either that, she could be feigning rest, and prepare herself if he decided to just attack her. He wouldn't do that, of course. He was a warrior, born and bred, and was taught ways to treat his opponents. Albel had enough honor in him not to do such a foolish act of a coward's.

Albel was also a murderer. She was too, but he happened to be looked at on the antagonist's side. He couldn't help but smirk at that fact.

He shook his head. He might as well get this over with. But when he gazed at her slumbering face, the fire behind him lighting her face with a warm glow, he fought the urge to run his good hand through her soft-looking hair.

... To hell with it. He thought before he dipped low to place a chaste kiss upon her lips. It only lasted for a few long seconds, but when Albel pulled away he could somehow taste the mixture of vanilla and strawberries on his own.

So this is what she tastes like... Albel cringed slightly when he saw Nel stir, but moved her face in another direction. He arched a brow. It seemed that action alone, even if it was she was subconscious, was telling him to back off. He grunted, running a hand through his shaggy mane. What was he doing? The answer was obvious. He wanted the woman, and something inside him told him that, when this whole deal with the Creator was over, he could claim her. But...

To watch her freely... He imagined, was already hurting him.

Albel smirked down at the crimson-haired woman, lazily taking in her sleeping form and etching it into his mind. No matter, he could be patient. The Creator will die, he would be sure of it, and it was then to stake his claim. So she could run freely...

For now, at least, until he had her in his cage.

END